Children living in the communities surrounding the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union’s (BPWCCUL) headquarters on Belmont Road, St Michael, received an early Christmas surprise on Tuesday, as ‘Santa Claus’ along with elves and all, took to the streets to deliver gifts and festive cheer directly to their doorsteps.
Branch manager of the BPWCCUL in Belmont, Michelle Ashby said the initiative was part of the credit union’s commitment to the people who live and work around its Belmont headquarters, describing the exercise as “our way of giving back… to our members and to other persons, just anyone in the community who we appreciate their support.”
She explained that teams moved through the surrounding areas, distributing presents to children between the ages of three and 10, while also offering small treats to elderly residents.
“It was a joy to interact with everyone in our community,” Ashby said.
Retail manager, Harriett Franklin echoed that sentiment, noting that the initiative was rooted in the organisation’s community-based values.
“We were about spreading the cheer and the joy of Christmas. They too were so excited to see us. We brought joy to the community, and this is what we do,” Franklin said.
Community relations officer, Stacy Mottley explained that the programme has been a long-standing tradition, spanning more than two decades.
“We have done this activity every year for certainly more than 20 years,” she said.
Mottley said this year’s activities were slightly different, as instead of hosting children at the branch, staff decided to go into the community.
Mottley said the exercise began early in the morning and focused on the area immediately surrounding the Belmont Road headquarters.
Children received gifts and sweets, while families were treated to what she described as “a little Christmas cheer from the Barbados Public Workers Credit Union.”
Volunteers were drawn from several branches, including Belmont Road, Emerald City, Carlton Black Rock and other locations across the island.
The credit union is expected to continue its seasonal community outreach activities in the coming days as part of its wider Christmas engagement with members and residents, reinforcing its presence not only as a financial institution, but as an active partner in the communities it serves.
(LE)
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